From the Head
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Brown Bears
Mrs. Reed's 3/4/5
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From the Head of School:
Dear CDS Parents,
While watching a prospective CDS teacher lead a classroom through a model lesson, I found myself wondering what are we looking for when considering who to invite into the wonderful quilt that is the CDS faculty? In other words, what is the "it" here at CDS?
Her impressive experiences on her resume were reassuring. But that was not it.
Her impressive lesson plan demonstrated her awareness of the educational "best practices" that any Head of School should want to see. But that was not it. Her training in college and beyond was good to read about - b
ut insufficient.
As ineloquent and imprecise as it might be, I resigned myself to conclude that the "it" is best described simply as "it." That "it" allows each of our faculty members to engage children. It is a passion that you cannot define but you know it when you see it. This "it" makes it clear -in an instant - that teaching is not a job but, instead, a calling for our faculty.
Coincidentally, after having this arguably unproductive conversation with myself, Amy Scherer, of CDS's Curriculum Committee, sent me an article written by a retired elementary school principal. The article is called, "Teaching as a Calling". Please take a moment to read this. It rings true for me when I think of each of the professionals we have here.
"Teaching as a Calling"
What is it about the teachers we remember from our childhood who had such a positive influence on our lives? All of us have had the Mr. Nelsons or Mrs. Lukes. Something allowed us to connect to them. The latter was her caring manner. This trait mixed with her expectations made us want to be successful. The former, was somewhat opinionated, yet he loved what he taught and did what he could to bring us into the discussions and make history come alive. I was in his classroom the day John F. Kennedy was shot.
What sets the excellent teachers apart from the "good" teachers? I asked several teachers with whom I have had the honor of being their colleague. One of the themes apparent in their responses is, "It's who/what I am". "I knew that is where I belong." Teachers who are called to teach have a time or period of time when they know this is what they are to do. This feeling stays with them.
Secondly, knowing this inside themselves leads them to be the best teachers possible. The teacher who is called to teaching lives for the "aha" moment. They are willing to put in long hours to
make sure all children learn. The teachers with this calling seem to have unlimited energy. They are open to new ideas as they work to challenge their students in a positive, organized environment. An insatiable behavior exists among the teachers who are called; they always want more for their students. They are not happy until each student is successful.
The teacher who is called has a respect for each student as both a learner and person. This is evident in the daily actions within the classroom. It is apparent to each child's parents/guardians as they work with the teacher to form a learning unit to support the child.
In conclusion, the combined words of two teachers states what teaching as a calling is all about: "I think it becomes our life, not just a job. It's who you are."
Keith L. Hammon
Retired Educator
At CDS, your children are surrounded by teachers, administrators and educators who are "called" to teach. I am proud of each of them and love seeing the engaged, happy children, who benefit from our faculty's collective "it."
Sincerely,
Stacey
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April 2008
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